When to Plant Parsley
More than a garnish. Parsley is a biennial that produces abundantly its first year and is one of the most nutritious herbs.
The Short Answer
How to Grow Parsley
Parsley is a biennial that takes its time — germination requires 14-28 days, testing every new gardener's patience. Soaking seeds overnight speeds things up marginally. In its first year, parsley produces abundant foliage for harvest. In its second year, it flowers, sets seed, and dies. Most gardeners treat it as an annual and replant each spring. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has stronger flavor and is preferred for cooking; curly parsley is milder and traditionally used as a garnish. Both types are larval host plants for swallowtail butterflies — consider sharing.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Begin parsley seeds indoors 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 50°F to germinate, which typically takes 14-28 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.
Transplanting
Move seedlings outside 2 weeks before your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 50°F. Harden off seedlings for 7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Direct Sowing
Parsley can be direct sown 3 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds 0.25" deep, spaced 8" apart.
Fall Planting
Parsley are planted in fall, 8 weeks before your average first frost date. Plant 0.25" deep, 8" apart.
Growing Tips
Parsley seeds are notoriously slow to germinate — soak overnight before planting. It's a biennial: lush leaves year one, seeds year two.
Companion Planting
Good companions:
Parsley Planting Dates by State
Click your state for parsley planting dates specific to your location:
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026